Former Louisville F Lance Thomas will transfer to Memphis and seek immediate eligibility

U of L's Lance Thomas cheers on his teammates during the second half against the visiting Siena Saints on Wednesday evening at the KFC Yum! Center. U of L came on strong in the second half to take an 86-60 victory. Dec. 6, 2017(Photo: Alton Strupp/Louisville Courier Journal)

New Memphis men’s basketball coach Penny Hardaway added to his complement of talent Friday, and there’s a chance it could pay off right away.

Former Louisville forward Lance Thomas announced on social media that he will transfer to Memphis after visiting campus Thursday with his family. Memphis later confirmed his impending transfer in a press release.

The 6-foot-8 Norcross, Ga., native told The Commercial Appeal in a subsequent telephone interview that he plans to appeal to the NCAA for immediate eligibility during the 2018-19 season due to former Louisville coach Rick Pitino’s abrupt firing last October following revelations related to the ongoing FBI investigation into college basketball.

As a freshman last season, Thomas appeared in 12 games for the Cardinals and averaged 4.2 minutes, 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds. He has three years of eligibility remaining and would have to sit out next season due to NCAA transfer rules if the appeal does not go in his favor.

The University of Memphis announcement regarding Thomas's transfer stated that Thomas "will have to sit out next season per NCAA transfer guidelines, but will have three years of eligibility remaining."

It remains to be seen how Memphis fits Thomas onto its current roster. As of Friday, the Tigers have no open scholarships available for next season after adding six other players in Hardaway’s initial recruiting class.

But multiple sources within the Memphis athletic department told The Commercial Appeal that the men’s basketball program will likely attempt to secure a medical hardship waiver for forward Karim Sameh Azab that would allow him to remain on scholarship but not count against the team’s 13-scholarship limit next season.

Hardaway's son, Jayden, is an incoming freshman and slated to be on scholarship. He could potentially become a walk-on to make room for Thomas.

Thomas confirmed that he discussed the Tigers’ scholarship situation with the Memphis coaching staff and simply said the two sides plan to “figure out a way.”

U of L's Lance Thomas (1), right, blocks a shot made by Bryant Bulldog Brandon Carroll during the second half of play against the visiting Bryant Bulldogs at the KFC Yum! Center on Monday night. Louisville won the game 102-59. Dec. 11, 2017(Photo: Alton Strupp/Louisville Courier Journal)

Thomas gives Memphis another versatile and athletic interior piece who could play multiple positions moving forward.

He was considered a four-star prospect out of high school and ranked No. 120 in the country by 247Sports Composite rankings. According to his bio on the Louisville athletics website, Thomas chose the Cardinals over schools such as Miami, Florida and USC.

“They were on me heavy,” Thomas said. “Penny being a former pro, Mike Miller being a former pro, and they just added Sam Mitchell, a former pro, and they got Coach Madlock on the staff, who played at Memphis. They got all basketball players. Who better to learn and get better from than former basketball players, especially the ones that played at the level you want to play on and played on the level you play on currently?”

“My whole thing is getting better,” he added. “I want to be the best Lance Thomas I can be and their pitch to me was if you come here, we’re willing to give you the book. No one’s ever had an open book test and failed, and I feel like if I have the book, I’m not going to fail.”

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Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway (left) questions an officials foul call during action against the College of Charleston at the Advocate Invitational in Orlando Sunday, November 25, 2018. Mark Weber/Commercial Appeal

Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway speaks to a crowd gathered at the Classic Parade along Park Ave presented by the Orange Mound Parade Committee on Sept. 9, 2018. Thousands lined Park Ave to see the parade that featured area high school marching bands among numerous other marchers. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis head basketball coach Penny Hardaway (left) and Memphis Grizzlies head coach J.B. Bickerstaff (right) were the featured guests at the Memphis Chambers The Game Plan of Memphis Basketball event on Sept. 5, 2018. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway holds a press conference at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center on July 10, 2018, before heading out on a recruiting trip to Peach Jam. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway watches his tee shot on the 4th hole during the InnerWorkings Pro-Am at the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind on June 6, 2018. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway talks with a Pamela Madu (left) and her daughter Elechi , a St. Jude patient, during a tour of the research hospital Thursday morning. Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis new head coach Penny Hardaway (middle) jokes with Providence head coach Ed Cooley (left) while scouting players on the Bluff City Legends team during Nike EYBL games in Irving, Texas, on April 20, 2018. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

April 10, 2018 - Penny Hardaway, the new University of Memphis men's basketball coach, throws the first pitch at the start of the Memphis Redbirds game against the Omaha Storm Chasers during opening night at AutoZone Park on Tuesday. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway (middle) greets form Tiger players before being introduced as the University of Memphis' new head basketball coach at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center Tuesday morning. Hardaway, who a standout player at the U of M from 91-93, will take over for recently fired head coach Tubby Smith. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway holds up his old jersey with AD Tom Bowen (right) while being introduced as the University of Memphis' new head basketball coach at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center Tuesday morning. Hardaway, who a standout player at the U of M from 91-93, will take over for recently fired head coach Tubby Smith. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

A crowd of fans gathers around Penny Hardaway during a news conference at the the University of Memphis to announce the former Tigers star as its new men's basketball coach at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East coach Anfernee Hardaway becomes emotional after his team's win over Whitehaven in the AAA championship game on March 17, 2018, at the Murphy Center Complex in Murfreesboro. Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East coach Anfernee Hardaway joins his players in celebrating their win over Whitehaven during the AAA championship game on March 17, 2018 at the Murphy Center Complex in Murfreesboro. Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East Coach Anfernee Hardaway watches the action during his team's AAA championship game against Whitehaven on March 17, 2018, at the Murphy Center Complex in Murfreesboro. Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East Head Coach Penny Hardaway gestures during a Division I Class AAA semifinals game between Bearden and Memphis East at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Friday, March 16, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Memphis East coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway hurdles with his team during a break in the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches works with Alex Lomax (2) near the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis EastÕs head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway wears special Hey Penny shoes as he coaches during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

February 21, 2018 - Penny Hardaway, head coach of the East High School boy's basketball team, watches his team compete against Whitehaven during the first half at Whitehaven High School on Wednesday night. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

February 21, 2018 - East head coach Penny Hardaway talks to his team during a timeout against Whitehaven during the first half at Whitehaven High School on Wednesday night. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway watches the projection of images from the Civil Rights and Vietnam War era at the National Civil Rights Museum Jan. 14, 2018, during a tour. Hardaway is among this year's Legacy Award honorees alongside Sam Perkins, James Worthy and Swin Cash. Jim Weber

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway walks the balcony at the Lorraine Motel during a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum Sunday afternoon. Hardaway is among this year's Legacy Award honorees alongside Sam Perkins, James Worthy and Swin Cash. Jim Weber

Former Memphis Tiger great Penny Hardaway (left) hits his ball from the deep rough on 10th hole while playing in the InnerWorkings Pro-Am at the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind on June 7, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

June 25, 2016 - Cora Yoder, of Memphis, watches her 11-year-old son, Joshua, have his t-shirt autographed by former University of Memphis superstar Penny Hardaway at the conclusion of the second annual Memphis basketball alumni game at Elma Roane Fieldhouse Saturday. The Blue vs. Gray game was hosted by former players Kemp and Jeremy Hunt. (Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal) Yalonda M. James, The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East's assistant Coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway former NBA player coaches on the sidelines during the State Tournament Quarterfinal game against Hillsboro , on Wednesday March 16, 2016, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

June 27, 2015 - Former Memphis standout Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway looks to his teammates before taken the court for the school's first basketball alumni game at Elma Roane Field House. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

July 18, 2014 - Team Penny head coach Penny Hardaway (right) looks on from the bench as his team battles the Texas Titans to a 85-82 victory during the EYBL finals at the Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Mark Weber, Mark Weber

July 17, 2014 - Team Penny head coach Penny Hardaway ( right) jokes with his players after defeating the NY Lightning 86-70 in their game of the EYBL finals at the Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Mark Weber, Mark Weber

March 8, 2014 - After hitting his third consecutive three point shot Memphis' Chris Crawford (middle) is by congratulated former Tiger Penny Hardaway (left) as the crowd cheers during second half action against SMU at FedExForum. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Mark Weber, Mark Weber

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway shakes hands with players from the Lester Middle School basketball team before the start of a press conference April 24, 2012, to announce that Methodist University Hospital will be providing Hardaway's youth program Penny's FastBreak Courts use of its basketball facility. Mike Brown / The Commercial Appeal

April 24, 2012 - Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway shakes hands with players from the Lester Middle School basketball team before the start of a press conference to announce that Methodist University Hospital will be providing Hardaway's youth program Penny's FastBreak Courts use of their basketball facility. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) Mike Brown, The Commercial Appeal

March 22, 2012 - Former NBA star Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway talks about a painting depicting the highlights of his basketball career framed in pennys during an interview about life after the NBA at his home in Southwind Thursday morning. (Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Jim Weber, Jim Weber

July 28, 2010 - Penny Hardaway, left, along with hundreds of bystander gathered where Memphis Police locked down an area on Callis Cut Off Rd where the body Lorenzen Wright has been found Wednesday afternoon. Mark Weber, Mark Weber

August 21, 2008 - Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, and University of Memphis athletic director RC Johnson unveil The Anfernee Hardaway Hall of Fame after announcing that Hardaway had one million dollars to the school at a press conference Thursday August 21, 2008. Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

November 23, 2001 - Phoenix Suns #1 Anfernee Hardaway knocks down Memphis's Shane Battier( on his way to the basket during Friday evening's game at The Pyramid. No foul was called on this play. Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

Orlando Magic's Anfernee Hardaway drives around San Antonio Spurs' Monty Williams during the first half in San Antonio on Thursday, March 27, 1997. San Antonio won 97-93. CHARLES BARKSDALE, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Orlando Magic guard Anfernee Hardaway frowns as he leaves the court after the Magic lost to the Boston Celtics 99-92 on Sunday afternoon, April 30, 1995 in Orlando, Fla. Hardway led all scores 26 points. Steve Simoneau, ASSOCIATED PRESS

June 17, 1997 - Former University of Memphis Tiger Penny Hardaway tries to fight his way through the throng of youth who line the barricades to get a glimpse of the NBA star. Hardaway and his Knicks were featured in the nightcap as the Bluff City Classic opened league play. Shoun A. Hill

August 30, 1996 - Olympic gold medalist and Melrose High School grad, Rochelle Stevens greets Penny Hardaway at a celebration honoring local athletes who won gold at the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta. Hardaway, a Treadwell High School product and UM Tiger, was the third overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft and spent 14 seasons in the league. The event in front of City Hall at 125 N. Main lauded Stevens, Hardaway, soccer player Cindy Parlow and basketball player Nikki McCray. Hardaway, a Treadwell High School product and UM Tiger, was the third overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft and spent 14 seasons in the league. (Steven G. Smith /The Commercial Appeal)
Steven G. Smith

Thomas described himself as a “do everything” player, with the ability to block shots, handle the basketball, shoot from outside and play inside and on the wing. He is the seventh player Hardaway has added to the roster since being hired in March.

Memphis was the only school Thomas visited after announcing he would be transferring from Louisville, although he said other schools pursued him during this recruiting process. He declined to name any other finalists.

That’s partly because he liked Memphis so much.

During his visit Thursday, Thomas toured the city as well as the university campus and the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center with his mother and father.

“Memphis is a little big city and they love their basketball there,” Thomas said, “and all I care about is basketball.”